Madrid are yet to replace key player Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal forward left for Serie A champions Juventus in a deal worth €112million.

Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, who both scored in the Champions League final defeat of Liverpool, are expected to take extra responsibility in Ronaldo's absence.

"Gareth is a player we love to be with us," Lopetegui said. "He has been at Real for many seasons and has been training since the very beginning in an extraordinary way.

"He is so motivated, and he is a very important player for the team. He is part of the team, and it is important now for us to be a team in all aspects of the game, full of great players as Gareth.

"I'm not going to talk about Gareth's past, just the present I saw, and we are pleased with his attitude, his work, and his aim.

"I can't talk about the past but Karim, the same as Gareth is a player that I always liked. I think he is so good in all aspects and his attitude is great since the first day, working a lot, and trying to help the team."

Madrid's biggest addition ahead of the 2018-19 campaign is Thibaut Courtois, the Belgium international joining from Chelsea, but Lopetegui would not confirm whether the goalkeeper would go straight into the side in place of Keylor Navas.

"Yes, I know who is going to play tomorrow," Lopetegui said. "But I'm not giving the team today, as the rival didn't do it. But yes, it is clear."